Winemaker Notes
With hundreds of white grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended white wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used in white wine blends, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a variety that creates a soft and full-bodied white wine blend, like Chardonnay, would do well combined with one that is more fragrant and naturally high in acidity. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
Collioure, the appellation name for the dry table wines produced in the area overlapping Banyuls, is on the coast at the French-Spanish border. The climate is warm Mediterranean and supports many grape varieties. Red Collioure wines are composed of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre (60% minimum in combination) with Carignan and Cinsault forming the remainder. Rosés come from the same grapes with up to 30% Grenache Gris permitted and dry whites (allowed since 2003 to hold the appellation name) are full-bodied and aromatic wines based on Grenache Blanc and Gris.